(Kaua’i)– Effective May 4 until at least May 31, 2018, Mayor Bernard P. Carvalho Jr. has promulgated an emergency rule and order prohibiting the operation of Transient Vacation Rentals (TVR) in the Lumaha‘i, Wainiha, Hā‘ena area and limiting the accessibility to said area. These restrictions may be extended beyond May 31, 2018.

“The safety of our residents and visitors is of our utmost priority, and we must be patient as our work in the affected, isolated areas continue,” said Mayor Carvalho. “We are focusing our efforts to assist our local residents, so that they have access to the resources they need now. Mahalo to everyone for your work to bring back a sense of normalcy to our community.”

Access in the areas listed above is limited to the following persons, agencies, and organizations:

Residents (no visitors);
County/state/federal governmental employees and verified governmental contractors;
Employees and volunteers for the following types of non-governmental organizations:
Utility providers;
Recognized humanitarian/disaster response and recovery entities;
Insurance industry – Serving verified residents/property owners;
Residential or infrastructure construction/repair contractors – Serving verified residents/property owners;
Area businesses and non-profits engaged by County/State/Federal government in response/recovery operations; and
Other NGO entities, as approved or requested by the County of Kaua’i, State of Hawai‘i or the federal government.

Vehicles with a GVWR of 5 Tons (10,000 lbs.) and under, with Hawai‘i Department of Transportation-authorized exceptions for appropriate emergency response vehicles.

The public is warned that any person violating this emergency rule and order shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. Upon conviction, the person(s) shall be fined not more than $5,000, or imprisoned not more than one year, or both.

A copy of this rule is available on the County of Kaua‘i’s Emergency Management Agency website.